The findings come from an analysis of the prices paid for the raw materials that are used to make drugs for the treatment of each disease, and the costs of manufacturing each product.

Although the cost of antiretroviral treatment has fallen dramatically since generic manufacturers first began to manufacture versions of antiretroviral drugs in India in 2001, generic products have not been available in all countries due to patent restrictions. Over the next few years it will begin to be possible to provide first-line treatment for HIV using generic drugs as patents expire on some of the key drugs used in HIV treatment.